24 November 2020
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer is teaming up with electricity company EDP on electric aircraft research.
Their first project is an electric version of Embraer’s single-seat crop-spraying aircraft, the EMB-203 Ipanema.
The prototype, which is already in development, is scheduled to complete its inaugural flight in 2021. Ground tests have taken place at Embraer’s facilities in Botucatu. The first flight will take place at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto unit.
The partnership aims to investigate the applicability of high voltage batteries for the electric propulsion systems of small aircraft, in addition to evaluating the main operating characteristics, such as weight, efficiency and power quality, thermal control and management, cycling loading and unloading, and operational safety.
1 comment
This seems to be a perfect application for electric flight. Short duration flights close to a home base. Recharge while refilling chemicals or, perhaps, a quick change battery system.